public interest

American  

noun

1. the welfare or well-being of the general public; commonwealth.

   health programs that directly affect the public interest.

2. appeal or relevance to the general populace.

   a news story of public interest.

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Other Word Forms

• public-interest adjective

Etymology

Origin of public interest

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

The harder she tried to cover up the Epstein files, the more public interest in them grew.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

"Public media exists to serve the public interest -- that of Americans -- not that of any political agenda or elected official," it said in a statement.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

In the Friday filing, the states argued a temporary restraining order is necessary to avoid what they said would be irreparable harm to the public interest, and to their ability to effectively enforce antitrust laws.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

When Kalia had his conviction quashed at Southwark Crown Court in 2021, the Post Office did not oppose their appeals on the grounds that it was not in the public interest to pursue a retrial.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

But when I urge him to speak out, to raise public interest as a defense against factional intrigue, he does not hear me.

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin

Related Words

• glare
• prominence
• public eye
• spotlight